LONDON • Britain's double Olympic champion Mo Farah says he is "100 per cent clean" and would leave his long-time coach Alberto Salazar if it is proved the American is guilty of violating any doping rules.
The 32-year-old told Sky Sports News on Tuesday that he has dedicated "half his life" to athletics and had never taken any performance-enhancing drug.
Farah, the hero of the London Olympics where he won a 5,000m and 10,000m gold double, has been under the spotlight since Salazar was accused of a systematic breach of the rules in a BBC documentary earlier this month.
Asked if he had ever used testosterone, EPO or human growth hormone drugs to treat a thyroid problem or performance-enhancing drugs, he replied: "No, never."
"I was shocked, I couldn't believe what I saw," he replied when asked about his reaction to the allegations made against Salazar, the head of the Nike Oregon project.
"When I saw it, I wanted some answers. I spoke to Alberto and he gave me some answers.
"He told me these were just allegations and he would prove it."
Farah continued: "I work so hard for what I do and to achieve what I have. It has taken me half my life. For people to think I've taken a short cut - it's not right. It's not fair.
"The picture that has been painted of me is not right. I'm 100 per cent clean. I love what I do and want to continue winning medals.
"I want people to know I am 100 per cent clean and I am not on any drugs. The only medication I am on is for asthma which I have had since I was a child."
The BBC programme Panorama, in association with American website ProPublica, made a series of allegations, including that Salazar had given Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Galen Rupp the banned anabolic steroid testosterone.
The American issued a lengthy and detailed denial of the allegations last week.
Farah was not accused of any wrongdoing in the BBC documentary but has been tarred by association. He told Sky: "If it is proven that he has crossed the line, then I am out, I would not work with
Alberto, trust me on this. I work every day and put my body on the line. I go through hell.
"Seven months a year, I am away from my family. I miss my kids' birthdays, anniversaries and I will never be able to get that time back, and that kills me.
"For people to label me a cheat is not fair. If I'm a cheat, prove I'm a cheat or just leave me alone to run and make my country proud."
Farah has admitted missing doping tests in February 2010 and February 2011 when he did not hear a doorbell ring as he was asleep.
He added: "I have taken 148 tests since 2007 and 103 tests since the 2012 Olympics - every single one has been negative."
REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN
